Ignition device for gas-engines.



L. J. LB yONTOIs. l mmm Dvmn ron s-As ENGINES.

APPLICATION PELED OWL-21, 1903.

Patented Dec.- 3, 1912.

u suma-sum1* 1.

L. J. LE PONTOIS.

IGNITION DEVICE FOR GAS ENGINES.

APPLIGATION FILED 00T.21, 1908.

1,045,859. 4 Patented Dec.3,1 912.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

n Fig I wwwa/Joao: 5mn/hoz 'UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.;

LEoN J. LE roNTois, or NEW ROCHELLE, NEWYoR'K, AssIGNoR, BY MEsNE ASSIGN- MENTS, To H. W. .'roHNs.

IGNITION DEVICE FOR GAS-ENGINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

y yrater-ted nec. 3, 19,12..

Application led October 21, 1908. Serial No. 458,773. v I

y vented certain new and useful Improvements in Ignition Devices for Gas-Engines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

pro-v-ements in the method and means of iguiting explosive gases in internal combustion enginnes, and more particularly to the so-called touch spark or make and break method.

Itfurther relates more especially to that type cf ignition device kno-wn as electromagnetic spark plugs. In such spark plugs the sparking electrodes are separated from each other by the agency of a suitable electro-magnet energized by thel same current which is interrupted at the spark terminals and have the' advantage of facilitating changes in the timing of the ignition during'operation of the engine. These electro-magnetic spark plugs have heretofore been subject to various objections, among which may be stated their unreliability in voperation at high speeds, owing to the increased self-induction of the electro-mag net for separating the electrodes and owing to the inertia of the moving parts. Their operation is also rendered unsatisfactory by reason of the electrodes becoming coated with oil or carbon deposits. the short length of the arc established at each break bet-Ween the electrodes due to the vibrating action is also objectionablevbecause gases do not have free -access to the arc and because the heat of the spark is partially dissipated by conduction through the mass of the electrodes instead of being imf,

parted to the gases. By my invent-ion, these and other objections are overcome.

In` accordance4 with my invention, the` functions previously performed by a single current are divided, and I provide in addition to the ignition circuit an auxiliary circuit which serves 'to interrupt the ignition circuit so as to cause the electrodes to become separated from each other toa distance com- 'parable in length to that which can be ob tained by lmechanical means. Furthermore, I arrange the energizing circuit of the electromagnet so that the latter will be ener- My invention relates in general to im Furthermore,

gized slightly ahead' of the time. at lwhich the ignition should occur in ordertofcor-` rectly time the ignition and to produce an ample spark of suitable length. The lag due to self-induction of the electro-.magnet and the inertia of the moving elements'is thus compensated for regardless ofthe speed of the engine. y

In my preferred form thecurrents jdiffering in phase for ignition'and for .actuating purposes are derived from lan alternating current generator .which s ervesto supply al-` ternating currents to circuits diferin 'iii phase, and in which the ,rise and fallo v .the alternating waves are insuch relation to the engine that the ignition-occurs yiii accordance with the alternations derived from 'the generator. j

These and other features of my invention will be understood from the followingl description and accompanying drawings, in whichy A Figure l is a longitudinal cross-section of my preferred form of generator; Fig. 2 is a crossisection thereof onz the yline 42 2 of Fig. 1;'Fig. 3 is a cross-section'onthe line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is asideview, partly in section and partly broken away, of thelelecitro-magnetic spark plug; Fig. 5 is a crosssection on the line 5 5. of Fig. 4; Fig. k6 is an end view of the spark plug; Fig. 7 y'is a side view thereof; and 8 is a diagram indicating the connections.y lMy preferred form of alternating current generator is of the inductor magneto type, in which the generating windings are sta tionary, thus obviating the use of any brushes or sliding contacts, y y Referring to thestructure of t-his'generattr shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3,thesame comprises pedestalsl, 1 for supporting'thelma? chineas a. whole and'having bearings for 'permitting' the angularfadjustment of the external element. of themachine to any fixed position desired for adjusting the time` of maximum current generation. The external field element is circular ingeneral Aoutline and comprises two portions built up of lamin 2 of the form shown in Fig. .2. Each lamina of iron, or steel comprises permanently magnetized hardened portions f3,k 3 havingintegral therewith the soft ironupof lar projections N, N and S, S', as Well as softiron connecting bridges lt, 4. The soft` iron polar extensions and connecting bridges may sometimes be removably secured to the permanently magnetized portions 3, 3 ofhardened iron, but I prefer to form all ot' these parts in an integral lamina or plate,

' tions' in close proximity `respectively to the north and south poles of a powerful magnet,

which will-complete its magnetic circuit through the portions 3, 3 and develop two consequent poles of opposite polarity in the central opposing portions. The extensions N. N will ,therefore assume one polarity, say north, while the extensions S, .S of the opposite-central portion will assume the oppcsite or south polarity. l have obtained the 'best results by placing the plates 2 in close proximity to the magnetizing electromagnet, as above referred to, while the plates are at a temperature of 715 degrees C. The portions 3, 3 which are to be permanently magnetized are then suddenly cooled and hardened While under the intiuence of' the magnetic field. The central portions comprising the polar extensions and the connecting bridges 4, et remain annealed,

and when the plate is removed from the influence of the electro-magnet, the central portions are magnetized only by the inductive action of the permanently magnetized portions 3, 3 By thus providing an integral plate which is hardened and permanently magnetized in inner portions, while hav-ing sott iron portions of high permeability, I obtain magnetic circuits of minimum reluctance, and also secure great strength and rigidity in the magnetic structure. It will be noted that the form ot the tield structure secures a very compact arrangement. giving small size to the machine. I may, it desired, provide means for assisting the magnets in maintaining a. high tield strength` such as described in my pending application Serial No. 443,023, tiled July 11, 1908, but such particular construction and arrangement of circuits form no part ot my present invention.

The plates 2, after being built up to form the field or frame, are clamped together in any suitable ianner, as by through-bolts 5, and supported as a whole by end plates 6. which are rotatably mounted in the pedestals 1. The field frame. as shown in Fig. 1, comprises two sets of plates 2 spaced apart by a ring 7. found around the bridge por.- tions t, t ot one set are the main generating coils S, 8. which may be connected in series or in parallel with each other, as desired, and which supply the ignition circuit. lVound around the bridge portions t, 4 of the other set of plates 2 are the generating windings 9, 9 which may be connected in series or in parallel with each other, and which supply current to the coil of the electro-magnetic means for separating the spariting electrodes. Between the two sets ot the laminar and the end plates are placed spacing rings 1() for the purpose ot' allowing the space for the end tiiirns ot the generating windings Around the entire field trame is a non-magnetic shcathing 11 for protecting the parts.

Within the extensions toi-ined upon the endl plates 6 are roller bearings for supporting the shaft 12, which in turn supports an inductor or rotor 13 coipcrating with one set of plates andthe generating windings S, S. and also supports an additional inductor or rotor 14 which cooperates with the other setI of plates and the generating windings 9, 9. The form of theinductors is shown in Fig. 2 and they are displaced angularly with reterence to each other, as indicated in Fig. 2 tor the purpose as hereinafter dcscribcd The shaft 12 will be driven by the gas engine whose sparking is to be controlled and the gearing or other driving connection will be such as to give a certain definite relation of the speed and position of the inductors to the engine.

With reference to the generation of current or electromot-ire force in the two sets of generating windings, a general statement as to one set of windings will apply to the other, as the actions are similar in each, with the exception that by reason ct' the an- 'gular displacement ot the inductors. the.

phase ot' eleetromotive torce and current in one set ot windings will be ditllcrcnt troni that in the other.

Referring more particularlr to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the magnetic flux tends to take the path trom the polos NNN to the poles S, S', returning through the permanently magnetizcd portions 3. 3. Pry reason oit the rotation ot the inductor l-t, however, the magnetic linx through the generating coils 9. 9 is alternated in direction and thereby causes an alternating electroniotive torce to be gene 'ated in said coils. lilith the position ot the inductor 14 shown in Fig. 2, the same furnishes a direct path for the magnetic tluxjtrom the pole to the pole S. and then in one path through the yoke portion 3 and through the coil 9 and bridge portion 4 to the pole h". and in another path from the pole S through the coil Si and bridge portion 4', thence through the yoke portion 3 back to the pole X. Assuming the rotation in the direction et the arrow, it will be seen that as the rotor passes from the position shown in Fig. 2, he reluctance ot' the circuit will be increased tending to cause a decrease in the strength ot the magnetic tins throng-'h the generating windings. and when the rotor 14e is passed to the position extending between the poles l? and S, it will be seen that the direction oi the magneticux ythrough the generating coils is thereby reversed; thus `the path willbe lfrom thejpole N through/the inductor to pole S, and then in one path ythroughthe yoke Band generating coil `9 to ypole N, and in ano-therpath from S through the gen- @rating coil 9 and yoke portion 3A to the pole N. ,f The direction of flux t-hrough the generating coilsv is therefore oppositewin directiomto that occurring when the rotor is in the pjpsition shown in Fig. 2, vand consequently the rapid reversal 'of magnetic flux caused by the change in posit-ion of the kgenerating windings 8, 8.

At one end of the shaft 12 is mounted a.

. cam 15. United with one of the end plates I controlled thereby.

6 is a casing l16, which, together with a cover plate 17, inclosesy the cam v15 andparts Pivotally: mounted `within the casing is an arm 18 carrying a" roller 19 adapted to engage the rcam 15.'I A spring`20j extending between the part of Vthe casing 16 and an extension 21 from the arm y18, tends to maintain vthe roller 19 in constant engagement with the cam. The extension 21 carriesa flexible contact strip `22, which, being controlled by the movement of the arm 18 and cam, is adapted to make and break connection with a fixed Contact 23. The'latter is supported` by a metal por` tion 24 which extends through and is insulated from the casing 16, and is provided at its outer end with'a -terminal 25. A' web 26 is formedY Within the casing 16 for the purpose of preventing oil from f being thrown intol the upper compartment in which the contacts are located. The casing 1G is shown as having a rod 27 connected to'the upper portion thereot, and by means of -this rod the operatormay adjustthe position of ythe ffield elements and other parts angularly with reference to the shaft, Athe whole being movable in the pedestals 1, 1.

The'electro-ma'gn'etic spark Vplug' comprises the usual main porticn28' adapted to make a threaded engagement with `'the head of an enginecylinder, and extending l through the portion 28.- is fan insulated rod` 29 having a terminal SOiat one end adapted; ,y for.connection `to a circuit andan velectrode 31`at the other end.' In thecenter` of the'.I

pl'ug'-is'located Iar'ijotlierrod 32, vwhich'is.y

arigula'rly movableA Land carries' at' its' kinnery The fr'ain 'plug .supports a fran'ie .34', which:

fixed thereto a mo'Vahleairiii` t vgrounded on the engine,,the current;

trame 34 and its parts "withi'eferencifltofthe two portions adapted tively with the two'p' electro-magnet.` A sp" cuter lend. of `the r` 32, o spring' being fixed thereto? with the fixed electrodeaSLf-.fflhep'ol'esJof` ereby "tends to" Ihold the `relectro-magnet areqshownfaaswbeing sescrews, and it will be understoodfthatwthese- Vpoles and the core- Sfgmay beilaminatedidesired. The coil 4 1,=1of,the'selectro-magnet yis shown asbeing for; ed .upomthe.'core321` LThegenerating coils Y SIarevreonnetedfjn acircuit, which includesthea(electgodes'531,`

33 Current fom 0,11 leesreseing toftheffer' minal through rodl2? tothe electrode 31j thence to electrode 33`^and rod 32 which. i,

ing a the 'other ammalati-he 'generating ywindings through Ava,ff"groundK connectonl Current from one "terminal ofthe fwindings 9, 9 passes" through the I. H 41 and isv then ground f .passes bythe grounded' connection ilgh, strip 22'y and fixed con 25, from 'which conne other terminal of the cy nections are 'diagramni i".

Fig. 8, the ignition circui cluding the coils 8', Aiii seriesand'finlutlll ing the' fixed elect-rodeij '31, and' movable 'elec'- tredev '33. The Windingsf 9,9 y lre"shjwli connected in series and including the" inag?y netic coil 41 and the con at;` 224'", Qfjthe interrupter shown "3'.j'f ,l is diagrammatifcallyshown 'nF i ing upon an armature make and break betWe lib it Win beanderswo@e?those-Skandiathe art Athat applicationl o From the aboveI desoi'iptionofgthe opera` .tion of the generator,it,A will-'be 'nd positive` current waves #and this invention may" made to any ydesired numberjof cylinders.y

erStQOd to, as shown in Fig'. 2, that vthe two current or electro motive force waves in say the positive direction arevery abrupt and attain a high magnitude, whereas vthose in the opposite, or say negative direction, are less abrupt and more uniform and attain a lesser magnitude. The parts are arranged so that operation 'I preferably utilize smooth waves,

which Secures better operation by reasono :the self-induction of the circuit- The relationship of the armatures 13,14-f0r obtaining this operation with the respective waves would be obtained byplacing .them at an `angular relation 'of approximately 90 degrees. It bein desira le, however, to compensate Yfor sel -induc'tion and inertia of the magnetically operated parts, the armature 14 is advanced angularly a certain amount so that, 'as shown in Fig. 2, the angular displacement of these armatures is less than 90 degreesfor the purpose of this compensation. A

In operation, the shaft of the generator will be driven from thatof the engine in fixed relation thereto, and'it will be understood :from the above that the electro-motive force of thecoils 9, 9 is generated slightly in advance,v as regards phase, of the elec- 40` tromot-ive force generated in the windings 8, 8.Y By reason of this advance in phase,` the self-induction of the actuating-.circuit and linertia of the moving parts, such as the armature- 3G and rod 32, are compensated for so that when the maximum current of a .sharp wave from the generating windings 8. 8, is supplied to the ignition circuit, the electro-magnetic device will cause theelectrodes to be separated. n V adjusted in relation to the other parts that the contact 22 will be forced into engagement with the contact 23 and cause current to flow in the coil 41 so that the armature 86 will-be attracted bythe magnet poles and separate the electrodes upon the occurrence ofmaximum electromotive force of a smooth wave in the windings 9, 9. The closing ot the circuit of coil 41 thus tendsto secure a l rapid movement of the movable electrode 33. and together with the advance 1n phase of the electromotive 'force in windings 9, 9', will secure a separation of the electrodes at the time of maximum current flow 1n the ignition circuit. It Willbe seen that the electro-magnetic actuating 'device thus secations may be made in the form of appa- The cani 15 is so,

cures a quick separation of the contacts and also a separation to such a distance as will produce a spark of considerable length. .lfurthermord as this sepa-ration occurs at the time of maximum current flow 4of a sharp 70 wave inthe ignition circuit, la heavy spark 'will be obtained. lVhen the cam allows the cont-acts 22, 23 to separate, the armature w1ll snap baclrto its no'rmalposition by the' ,e action of the spring which allows the ignition circuit to be again closed, and upon the next. closure of the ycircuit of the electrmagnet by-,the action of the cam the abovedescribed operation will be repeated.

' It. Will'be understood that' various modi- 8.

rat-us used, as well as in the arrangements of the circuits, without departing from the scope of my invention.

Having thus described my inventionl` I 35 declare that what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent. is:

' l. An ignition device comprising an alternating current source, sparking electrodes, an'ignition circuit, electro-magnetic means comprising an auxiliaryr circuit for separating said electrodes, and means whereby the electromotive forces impressed upon said circuits are displaced in their phase relation to each other. 95

2. An ignition device comprising sparking electrodes` an ignition circuit. an alternating current' source in said circuit. electro-umgnetic means comprising an auxiliary circuit for separating said electrodes. an alternating current source in said auxiliary circuit'. and meanswhereby the electromotive forces of said sources are displaced in their phase relation to eachother.

3. An ignition device comprising elec- *trodes' -an iofnition circuit. an alternating 7 h D currentsource in said circuit, electro-magnetic means comprising an auxiliary circuit for separating said electrodes, an automatic Circuit closer in said auxiliary circuit, an alternating current source in said auxiliary circuit,and means whereby the elect romotive forces of said sources are displaced in their phase relation to each other.

4. An ignition device ot the make-andbreak type comprising sparking electrodes, a source of alternating electromotve torce, means for lconducting current 'from said source to said electrodes. electromagnetic means for separating said electrodes, .and functionally related controlling means for causing said electrodes to be separated when the current passing through said electrodes from said alternating source has a maximum value.

5. An ignition device of the make-andbreak type comprising sparking' electrodes. electromagnetic means for separating said electrodes, a source of alternating Aelectromotive force, means for applying out-of- 130 amaneceI phase waves of electromotive force t0 said electrodes and to said means respectively, and functionally related means for' causing said electrodes to be separated when the current passino through said electrodes from said source lias a maximum value.A

6. An ignition device of the make-andbreak type-comprising sparking electrodes, electromagnetic means for separatin electrodes, a source of alternating e ectromotive force, means for causing an electroinotive force wave from 'said source to be applied to the circuitof said electromagnetic means, which is in advance of the electromotive force Wave a plied to the circuit of saidelectrodes, an functionally related means for causing said electrodes to beseparated when the currentv passing through said electrodes has a maximum value.

7. An ignition device of the make-and break type comprising sparking electrodes, electromagnetic means for separatin said electrodes, a source of alternating e ectromotive force, means for applying out-ofphase Waves to said electrodes and tosaid electromagnetic means respectively, means for controlling the circuit of said electromagnetic means, and functionally related means for closing said controlling means when the alternating electromotive force applied to said electromagnetic means has a maximum value.

said

8. An ignition device ofthe make-andbreak type comprising a spark plug having make-andbreak electrodes, means normally holding said electrodes closed, electromagnetic means mounted ontsaid plug for sepa. rating said electrodes, circuit connections for the ignition circuit and electromagnetic circuit respectively, and means for supplying energy from an alternating current .source to said circuits and for causing the electr'ornotive force of the energy impressed upon one of said circuits to be displaced in p ase with reference to that impressed upon the other of said circuits.

9. An ignition device of the make-andbreak type comprising sparking electrodes, electromagnetic means for separating said electrodes, a source of alternating .current electric energy supplying electromotive force Waves of an abrupt character and waves of a less abrupt character, and means for causing said electromagnetic means to be controlled by a Wave of a less abrupt character and to interrupt the currentthrough the electrodes when a current` Wave `of abrupt character passes through said electrodes.

In testimony whereof Lallix my signa- I ture, in presence of two Witnesses. l

` LEON J. LE PONTOIS. Witnesses:

GEO. U. KERK, GnofA. HOFFMAN. 

